Dr. H. Randall Dozier called the meeting to order at 11:32 am. He then asked Mrs. Kim Davis to call the roll. Dr. Dozier noted for the record that media notification had been made in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, and that a quorum was present.

Dr. Dozier presented the minutes of the June 15, 2012 Board Meeting to the Board for approval.

Mr. Tracy Freeman made a motion for the minutes to be approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ken Jackson. The minutes received unanimous approval by the Board.

Executive Affairs Committee:

Dr. Dozier noted that the Executive Committee met, and they discussed the budget, an athletic department issue, and the strategic plan. There was no action taken.

Academic Affairs and Accreditation Committee:

Mr. Stephen Jones delivered the Academic Affairs and Accreditation Committee report and indicated that according to Dr. Rebecca Flannagan, Chair of the Faculty, there will be nineteen new faculty members starting in fall 2012. Some of the new faculty are nursing faculty, while others are replacing faculty in other disciplines who have retired. Mr. Jones also noted that the new faculty orientation will be held on August 17, 2012, and the first faculty meeting for 2012-2013 will take place on October 18, 2012.

Mr. Jones reported that according to Dr. Peter King, Associate Provost for Enrollment Management, as of the end of July 2012, the number of newly enrolled freshmen for Fall 2012 shows a 9.4% increase over the number of newly enrolled freshmen at the same time last year (2011). As of the end of July 2012, total enrollment for fall 2012 appears to be approximately the same as it was at the same time in 2011. Mr. Jones noted that the committee then discussed New Freshmen Orientation and especially the requirement to stay overnight during orientation. Dr. King commented that the overnight stay during orientation seems to be a positive experience because it gives new students a chance to meet people and develop new friendships. Dr. King also commented that University officials are pleased with the orientation process and believe that a successful orientation program improves student retention.

Next, Mr. Jones noted that the committee heard a report from the Provost, Dr. Richard Chapman. Dr. Chapman stated that the Fine Arts Department is in the process of completing an accreditation study for the Visual Arts and Art Education program. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) site visit team will be on campus during the Spring 2013 semester. Dr. Chapman also shared with the committee that all forty nursing students who graduated in May 2012 passed the NCLEX licensure exam for nurses on their first attempt for a 100% pass rate.

Finally Mr. Jones reported that there are 3 new McNair Scholars and 13 Patriot Scholars in the fall 2012 Newly Enrolled Freshmen class.

Development and Alumni Committee:

Mr. Tracy Freemen began his report by stating that the committee discussed the Non-Profit Leadership Institute, which will begin its eleventh year in September 2012. He also noted that the Scholarship Donor Reception will be held on October 25, 2012 at 6:00 pm in the University Center Commons Area.

Alumni Affairs Report:

Mr. Freeman stated that Mr. Julian Young gave a report on alumni events that are coming up in the near future. Mr. Young stated that the Alumni Association and Student Alumni Association will participate in Freshman Move-in Day on August 18 beginning at 8:00 am. In addition, there were over 100 New Freshmen that completed a card during orientation indicating their interest in joining the Student Alumni Association.

Next, Mr. Freeman noted that there are several alumni events that will take place during the fall:

A Myrtle Beach Alumni Reception will take place on August 30, 2012 at 5:30 pm. It will take place at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes and will be hosted by Dr. Randy Dozier, Ms. Lisa Emery, Ms. Laura Crowther, and Heather Ammons Crawford.

A Hartsville/Darlington Alumni Reception will take place on September 6, 2012 at 5:30 pm. It will take place at Lawton Park in Hartsville and will be hosted by Mr. Stephen Jones and Mr. James Harrell.

A Florence County Alumni After Hours will take plan on September 13, 2012 at 5:30 pm. The event will take place at Southern Hops and will be hosted by Mr. Randy Deaton who is co-owner of the establishment.

The Psychology Department will hold its annual Alumni Awards Reception on October 2, 2012 at 6:00 pm at The Cottage.

The annual Biology Alumni Awards Reception will take place on October 9, 2012 at 6:00 pm at The Cottage

Financial Affairs and Facilities Committee:

Mr. George McIntyre stated that the committee reviewed the University Budget Summary, which reflects activity since July 1, 2012. Mr. McIntyre noted that the University has collected 14% of its budget income for 2012-2013 and has expended 5% of the budgeted expenses.

Next, Mr. McIntyre stated that the University came out well in the state appropriation process. He also thanked Senator Hugh Leatherman and Mr. Daniel Dukes for their efforts at the state level on behalf of the University. The University received $1.6 million in deferred maintenance funds and $500,000 in recurring funds for the new Nurse Practitioner program. The deferred maintenance funds will be used for the following projects:

Repaving and repairing of Parking Lots A and C

Refurbishment and upgrades in the Hyman Fine Arts Center

Replacing carpet and tile in the University Center, which is already complete

Upgrade of athletic equipment

Upgrade various other equipment and vehicles on campus

Upgrade and repair to other infrastructure on campus

Dr. Randy Dozier closed the report by commending Dr. Carter, Mr. Kispert, and Mr. McIntyre for ensuring that our facilities are kept in good shape.

Student Affairs and Athletics Committee:

Mr. Eddie Gunn stated that Mrs. Teresa Ramey reported that the renovations of the carpet, tile, furniture, and weight room in the University Center are now complete. Ms. Ramey also stated that the following student events will be taking place during the month of August:

August 18 – New Freshmen Move-in Day – Approximately 775-800 New Freshmen are expected for move in. A hot dog cart will be set up at 10:00 am that day to feed the New Freshmen and their families.

August 19 – Welcome to Campus Pool Party and Cook Out

August 20 – Orientation (for new students who have not participated in one of the earlier orientations)

August 21 – Hypnotist – Dr. Wand

August 22 – Alcohol Awareness Program

Next, Mr. Gunn noted that Mr. Murray Hartzler gave an update on Athletic Department events. Mr. Hartzler reported that the Women’s Soccer team will begin practice on August 3, and their first game is on August 21 at 7:00 pm against Presbyterian College. The Men’s Soccer team will have their first game on August 30 at 7:00 pm against Catawba College. Mr. Hartzler also reported that Ms. Reghan Boob began her duties as Athletic Trainer on August 1, replacing Mr. Spyder Webb who recently retired. Ms. Boob was previously an Assistant Trainer at Lander University. Finally, Mr. Hartzler noted that the Red Wolves use of Sparrow Stadium this year went very well.

President’s Report

Dr. Carter began his report by thanking the Board of Trustees for their input concerning the Strategic Plan and Facilities Plan which were presented at the Board Retreat. He stated that the Strategic Plan will be revised based on suggestions made by the Board, and it will be brought to the Board for final approval at the meeting in November 2012. If any Board members have additional comments, they should send them to Dr. Flannagan or Dr. Chapman. In addition, the Facilities Plan will be also be revised and brought to the Board for further discussion at the March 2013 meeting and hopefully final approval at the June 2013 meeting.

With regard to curricular issues, Dr. Carter reported that we will begin the Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner program and the Master of Science Nurse Education program in Spring 2013. This program will be highly advertised during the fall. Funding for this program is intact to secure the continuation of this program in the future.

Dr. Carter also noted that a faculty work group has been developed to work with consultants in developing the curriculum for a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering program. With faculty approval and CHE approval during Spring 2013, it is hoped that this program will be offered beginning in Spring 2014. This program will be done in collaboration with Florence Darlington Technical College.

In addition, Dr. Carter also stated that the University is beginning discussions with the University of South Carolina concerning a cooperative or joint program for a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Dr. Carter said that he and Dr. Chapman have already had several discussions with the President and Provost of the University of South Carolina concerning this program. Also, a joint committee comprised of faculty from both universities has been developed to work together on constructing the curriculum for this program. Dr. Carter noted that, because this will be a cooperative or joint program, the program could start a little earlier than originally anticipated and it will be less expensive for both universities. Hopefully, a determination of when the program will start will be made by January or February of 2013. Additional reports on this program will be given to the Board at future meetings.

Next, Dr. Carter reported that that there have been on-going discussions with NESA and agricultural producers in the region concerning the feasibility of offering a degree in Agri-Business Management at Francis Marion. This degree would include studies concerning the business side of the agricultural process and will as production and distribution of agricultural goods across the region. Dr. Carter noted it is his understanding that no other universities in South Carolina offer this type of degree at the present time. He also stated that agricultural producers and distributors in the region have shown great interest in the offering of this degree because it will bring about an increase in graduates with skills and knowledge in agri-business. There have also been discussions with the School of Business and the Biology Department concerning their roles in this degree. Dr. Carter stated that the University is just in the beginning discussions about this degree, and further reports to the Board later in the year.

Dr. Carter then echoed Mr. McIntyre’s earlier remarks concerning state appropriations for the University this year. He commended Representatives Alexander, Crawford, and Lowe for their work in structuring the appropriations for the University in the House of Representatives. He also thanked Senator Leatherman for the assistance that he gave us with the appropriations in the Senate.

Next, Dr. Carter noted that the agreement with the Red Wolves this year has proven to be a very good experience. This has brought thousands of people onto the campus, many of them being young people who might not otherwise have had the chance to visit Francis Marion. Over the next thirty days, there will be further discussions with Kevin and Donna Barth, as well as our staff, about future arrangements with the Red Wolves. The Board will receive a report on these discussions at the November 2012 meeting.

Finally, Dr. Carter had a video of an upcoming University advertisement played for the Board.

Unfinished Business

Thanked the faculty and staff for the presentations made at the Board Retreat on Thursday and during the committee meetings on Friday morning. He also stated that the Board will continue with the same committee structure and will be putting together a Nominating Committee soon.

New Business

No new business.

Dr. Dozier entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Gunn made the motion and Mr. Coleman seconded it. The Board adjourned at 12:05 pm.